December 29, 2009 (Anchorage, AK) – I’ve been in Anchorage, AK since Dec. 26 getting ready for the upcoming US National XC Ski Championships that begin on Jan. 2 after New Years. Following last year’s disappointing weather at this event, Mother Nature has turned up the heat, and it seems that we’ll be seeing the races go off without a hitch next week. First, let’s go over some statistics from yesterday’s hour and a half ski:

– Number of Moose seen: 5
– Number of FedEx planes on approach: 7
– Average temperature at venue: -4 degrees Celsius
– Number of Alaska Winter Stars, and other volunteers preparing the course with shovels: 153

If the temperature statistic threw you off, I’m not surprised – remember the location is Anchorage. To ensure everything goes smooth this year, a large force of AWS athletes and event staff have been on the trail with “children at play” signs, shoveling, raking, and pulling additional snow onto the race course. The thrown snow supplements a base of about five inches, and has made all trails race ready. I have been skiing on race skis without any problems.

As more athletes arrive, I encourage everyone to thank the many volunteers that have been on the trails and behind the scenes making sure the event is a GO !